Riviera Beach Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Friday, April 5, 1974
Add to My HeroesMeredith Stanley "Skip" Runck, Jr.
Officer Skip Runck was shot and killed with his own weapon after responding to a domestic disturbance call.
Upon arrival, he was told by a female victim that the man had threatened to murder her. Officer Runck ordered the man to go home, but he refused. As it began to rain, Officer Runck stepped into the house and told the man not to enter it. The suspect continued to disobey the orders and was then advised that he was under arrest. Officer Runck took him by the arm and began to lead him towards the police car when a struggle ensued, and Officer Runck hit the suspect with his baton.
Both men fell to the ground, and the suspect gained control of Officer Runck's .357 caliber revolver and pointed it at his chest. Officer Runck shouted, "Don't shoot, don't shoot," but the suspect shot him four times and then started yelling, "I done shot the law."
The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to 55 years in prison but was later murdered while incarcerated.
Officer Runck had been with the Riviera Beach Police Department for 15 months. He was survived by his wife, parents, and two brothers.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 1 year, 3 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Murdered in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 51 Reflections49 years ago today ! You are not forgotten Skip. You remain in our heart and memories. Prayers for your family.
John E Roelandts former RBPD Sgt 351
Deborah Sikes Roelandts
Former Communications RBPD
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc Police
April 5, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024
Police Officer Matthew Henke Ruge
Burnsville Police Department, MN
EOW: February 18, 2024